Monday of the 5th Week of Lent

Monday March 23, 2026

Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent

First Reading – Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62: Susanna is found guilty of a crime she did not commit and is sentenced to death, but Daniel intervenes and exposes the false testimony of the two elders. The elders are subsequently executed, and innocent blood is spared.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: Guided by the Lord, my needs are met, my soul refreshed. Through dark valleys, fear doesn’t touch me, for His presence brings comfort. Surrounded by foes, I’m blessed abundantly, assured of His perpetual kindness and dwelling in His presence eternally.

Gospel (Years A and B) – John 8:1-11: The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, hoping to trap him. Jesus responded by challenging them to only stone her if they themselves were without sin and, as a result, they left one by one. Jesus then forgave the woman and instructed her to turn away from sin.
Gospel (Year C) – John 8:12-20: Jesus told them he is the light of the world. He said his words are true because he speaks with the Father. Though questioned, no one arrested him, for his hour had not come.

Upcoming dates: March 23, 2026, March 15, 2027, April 3, 2028, April 8, 2030, March 31, 2031, March 15, 2032, April 4, 2033

Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.
John 8:7

Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent

Monday of the 5th Week of Lent focuses on God’s mercy, justice, and call to repentance. The readings from Daniel and John show God’s care for the innocent and his willingness to forgive those who turn away from sin.

God’s Mercy for Sinners: Jesus shows mercy to the woman caught in adultery instead of condemning her. God’s mercy invites all sinners to repent and start anew.

God’s Justice Defends the Innocent: In Daniel, God works through Daniel to save Susanna from false accusations. God protects the innocent and exposes injustice.
The Call to Repentance: Jesus calls the accusers to examine their own sins before judging the woman. Repentance means turning from sin and seeking God’s forgiveness.
Avoiding False Judgments: Susanna’s story warns against believing lies without seeking the truth. God values honesty and calls us to avoid rash judgments.

The Power of Witness: Daniel stands up for the truth and defends Susanna. God works through those who are willing to speak out for what is right.
God’s Patience with Humanity: Jesus does not immediately punish the accusers or the woman in the Gospel for Years A and B. God gives people time to turn from sin and seek him.
Jesus as the light: Jesus says he is the light of the world in the Gospel for Year C. His light shows what is true and right.

God’s timing matters: No one could arrest Jesus because his hour had not come. God’s plan unfolds in his time, not ours.
Authority from the Father: Jesus does not speak on his own. He speaks with the authority of the one who sent him.
Truth will be revealed: In both readings for Year C, truth is hidden at first but comes out in the end. God brings the truth into the light.

Monday of the 5th Week of Lent reminds us of God’s kindness and his care for justice. These readings invite us to trust in God’s mercy and respond with repentance and truth.

Reflection for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent

Monday of the 5th Week of Lent offers powerful lessons about mercy, justice, and the importance of repentance. Through the stories of Susanna and the woman caught in adultery, we see how God defends the innocent and forgives sinners. These readings invite us to reflect on how we live out truth, mercy, and humility in our own lives.

Speaking Up for What Is Right

The first reading for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent tells the story of Susanna and Daniel. Susanna is falsely accused by two wicked men, but God inspires Daniel to stand up for her. He challenges the lies and defends her innocence, exposing the truth and saving her life. This shows how important it is to speak up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

Sometimes we see people being treated unfairly or hear lies being spread about others. Like Daniel, we are called to stand up for truth and justice. God works through those who are willing to defend others and take a stand for what is good.

Daniel’s courage in defending Susanna is a reminder that God gives strength to those who trust him. When we choose to speak the truth and defend what is right, we become part of God’s work in the world. This story encourages us to be bold in standing up for justice.

Recognizing Our Own Sins

In the Gospel for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent for Years A and B, Jesus faces a group of people ready to condemn a woman caught in sin. Instead of joining them, Jesus asks them to consider their own sins. This causes them to walk away one by one, realizing that they too need forgiveness.

This moment shows the importance of self-reflection. It is easy to point out the faults of others, but much harder to look at ourselves honestly. Jesus teaches us to look at our own hearts and repent before judging others.

We all need God’s forgiveness. By focusing on our own sins and seeking mercy, we grow closer to God and treat others with kindness. The Gospel calls us to leave behind harsh judgments and choose humility and love.

Mercy for the Guilty and Innocent

Both readings for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent in Years A and B show God’s mercy for the innocent and the guilty. In the first reading, Susanna is falsely accused, but God rescues her through Daniel. In the Gospel, a guilty woman faces condemnation, but Jesus shows her mercy and calls her to change.

God’s mercy is greater than human understanding. He defends the innocent and offers forgiveness to those who repent. Both Susanna and the woman in the Gospel remind us that God cares deeply about truth and forgiveness.

We are called to follow God’s example by showing mercy to others. Whether someone is guilty or innocent, God’s justice and mercy are at work. These readings encourage us to trust God and live with mercy and compassion in our own lives.

Truth Comes to Light

Sometimes the truth is hard to see. People may lie or hide things to protect themselves. That happens in the first reading for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent. Two elders lie about Susanna to cover their own sin. She is close to death before the truth is revealed.

God does not let the lie stay hidden. He gives Daniel the wisdom and courage to speak up. Daniel questions the elders and shows that their stories do not match. Because of this, Susanna is saved. God brings justice in his own way and in his own time.

In the Gospel for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent for Year C, Jesus says he is the light of the world. Light helps us see clearly. Jesus brings truth. Even when people do not believe him, his words remain true because he speaks with the Father.

This day reminds us that lies can only go so far. Truth may be hidden for a time, but it will come to light. God sees all things, and nothing stays in the dark forever. We are called to stay honest, speak with courage, and trust that God will bring justice.

The reflections on Monday of the 5th Week of Lent remind us to seek truth and show mercy in our words and actions. By trusting God and examining our own hearts, we can grow in love and faith. Let us carry these lessons with us and strive to live with justice and compassion.

Prayer

Lord, you are full of mercy and justice. Help us to defend the innocent and seek forgiveness for our sins. Teach us to show kindness and to live in truth. May we reflect your love in all we do and trust in your care. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How can you stand up for truth and justice like Daniel did?

What sins do you need to bring to God in repentance?
How can you avoid judging others harshly and show mercy instead?
In what ways can you trust God more in difficult situations?

How can you bring light into a situation where others are hiding the truth?

Homilies and Commentaries for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent

Do You Have Everything You Need? (Order of Preachers)
Scapegoating (Word on Fire) – for the Years A and B Gospel

The First Stone (USCCB) – for the Years A and B Gospel
See with the Light of Christ (Word on Fire) – For the Year C Gospel
Light at the End of the Driveway (USCCB) – For the Year C Gospel

Where is Jesus? (Dynamic Catholic) – For the Year C Gospel

Do You Have Everything You Need?

In this reflection for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent, Dr. Ann Garrido reflects on Psalm 23 and a simple question from a two-year-old: “Do you have everything you need?” She shares how this question made her realize that she does, in fact, have what she needs. Over time, life has taught her that she can let go of fear and live with trust. This kind of trust allows us to be more generous.

Dr. Garrido reminds us that many people do not have what they need, and this truth should stir us to act. But if we live with a mindset of scarcity, we may become stingy and fearful. Lent invites us to practice almsgiving with open hands and hearts. Trusting that we have enough helps us to share more freely. Her reflection calls us to examine how we live and give, especially in the final stretch of Lent.

Scapegoating

In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent, he discusses the story of the woman caught in adultery, highlighting it as an example of René Girard’s scapegoat mechanism. He points out the accusers’ eagerness for a scapegoat and praises Jesus’ revolutionary response, which redirects the mob’s violent energy and exposes the societal order’s reliance on scapegoating.

Bishop Barron notes Jesus’ act of writing in the sand as a powerful symbol of exposing the accusers’ sins, leading to a new order based on forgiveness, not condemnation.

The First Stone

This USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent discusses the human tendency to judge and criticize others, likening it to throwing the “first stone.” It highlights our own susceptibility to sin and the importance of self-examination over fixating on the faults of others.

Emphasizing mercy and forgiveness, the reflection encourages us to embody God’s endless capacity for forgiveness, urging us to drop our stones of judgment. It reminds us that, through self-examination and embracing mercy, we can become ministers of God’s love and forgiveness, reflecting Jesus’ call to be His Sacred Heart in the world.

See with the Light of Christ

Jesus says, “I am the light of the world,” one of many “I am” statements in John’s Gospel that reveal his divine identity. He is not just a teacher or guide but the one who brings true vision. Christianity is not just a set of rules but a way of seeing. When we follow Jesus, we see life, people, and the world in a new light.

On Monday of the 5th Week of Lent, Bishop Barron reminds us that being united to Jesus changes how we see. When we live in his light, we no longer view things through fear or hate. We begin to see with love, mercy, and truth. This transformation shapes how we act, pray, and live. Seeing through Christ means seeing the world more clearly and responding with grace.

Light at the End of the Driveway

The Gospel for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent shows Jesus as the light of life. If we walk with him, we will not walk in darkness. This call to trust and follow the light can be hard, especially when life feels uncertain. But when we rely on the gentle guidance of Christ—through prayer, reflection, and the Spirit—we find our way forward.

Msgr. James Vlaun shares a story of neighbors in Alaska lighting the way for a doctor to reach a man in need. This story reminds us to be both followers of Christ’s light and lights for others. Pope Francis calls us to journey together in hope. In a world that pushes faith aside, we are still called to live our baptism and shine Christ’s light. Every small action of love and hope matters. We can lead others by how we live.

Where is Jesus?

The reading for the Monday of the 5th Week of Lent begins with Jesus saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in darkness.” When life feels dark or heavy, this reminds us to check where Jesus is in our lives. If He feels far away, maybe we’ve pushed Him aside or turned away. When we lose sight of Jesus, our hearts can quickly grow cold or discouraged.

Matthew Kelly explains that when we feel down or overwhelmed, we should ask, “Where is Jesus right now in my life?” If Jesus is not at the center, the darkness can grow. But if we bring Him back to the center, light returns. Jesus is the light the world needs, and He is the light we need too. We don’t need to stay in darkness if we keep turning back to Him.

Frequently Asked Questions for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent

Why was Susanna accused of wrongdoing in the first reading for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent?

Susanna was falsely accused because two men wanted her to sin with them, and she refused. They lied to protect themselves, but God brought the truth to light through Daniel.

How does the first reading show God’s care for justice?

God raised up Daniel to defend Susanna and expose the lies of the men accusing her. This reminds us that God does not ignore wrongdoing and protects those who trust in him.

How can we apply the first reading to our lives?

We can trust God to guide us when we face lies or injustice. Like Susanna, we should stay faithful and rely on God’s help.

Why didn’t Jesus condemn the woman in the Gospel for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent Years A and B?

Jesus wanted to show mercy and give the woman a chance to repent. He also pointed out that everyone is a sinner and needs forgiveness.

What can we learn from the accusers in the Gospel?

The accusers were quick to judge the woman without considering their own sins. This teaches us to focus on our own need for repentance before judging others.

How does the story of Susanna connect to the Gospel for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent Years A and B?

Both readings show how God protects the innocent and offers mercy to sinners. They remind us that God calls for truth, justice, and repentance.

What does the Gospel for Years A and B teach about forgiveness?

The Gospel shows that Jesus is ready to forgive those who turn away from sin. He asks us to leave our sins behind and live in a new way.

Why did Jesus challenge the people accusing the woman?

Jesus wanted them to reflect on their own sins before condemning someone else. This reminds us to be humble and not judge others unfairly.

What does the Gospel reading for Year C say about Jesus?

It says that Jesus is the light of the world. His light helps people see what is true and right.

Why did no one arrest Jesus in the Gospel?

No one arrested him because his time had not come. God’s plan was still unfolding.

What does it mean that Jesus is the light?

It means that Jesus shows us what is true. He helps us see right from wrong.

How is truth shown in Monday of the 5th Week of Lent?

Truth is hidden at first but comes out in the end. God makes sure that what is right is known.

What does Monday of the 5th Week of Lent teach about justice?

It shows that God cares about justice and does not forget the innocent. Justice may take time, but God brings it in the end.

How can we live out the message of Monday of the 5th Week of Lent?

We can try to live honestly, speak truth, and stay close to God. We can also support others who are being treated unfairly.

A Day of Mercy and Justice

Monday of the 5th Week of Lent invites us to reflect on God’s mercy and justice. God brings truth into the light. The first reading tells the story of Susanna, a woman falsely accused by two men. Her faith in God leads to her rescue when Daniel, guided by God, exposes the lies of her accusers. This story reminds us that God defends the innocent and brings truth to light.

The Gospel for Years A and B shares the story of a woman caught in adultery. Instead of condemning her, Jesus offers her mercy. He challenges her accusers to consider their own sins before judging her. This encounter highlights the importance of repentance and forgiveness in our lives.

In the Gospel for Year C, Jesus says he is the light of the world. He tells the people that his words are true because he speaks with the Father. Though many question him, no one arrests him. His time has not yet come.

These readings focus on God’s care for the innocent and his willingness to forgive sinners. They show how God calls us to live in truth and turn away from sin. These stories encourage us to trust in God and strive for justice and mercy in our own lives. When we walk in his light, we do not need to be afraid. Even when others do not believe us, God knows the truth and will defend what is right.

Your Turn

Monday of the 5th Week of Lent is a chance to reflect on God’s justice and mercy. Take time to think about the readings and how they relate to your own life. Have you experienced God’s forgiveness or defended someone who was treated unfairly? Think about how God defends the innocent and how Jesus shines light into the world.

Share your thoughts in the comments. Your story may help someone else see the light.